Electrically powered vehicle and method for controlling electrically powered vehicle

ABSTRACT

An ECU performs processing including: a step of obtaining a pilot signal CPLT and a connector connection signal PISW; a step of determining, when a connector is attached, a type of the connector; a step of controlling, when there is a function corresponding to the type of the attached connector, the connector to be set to a lock state; a step of performing control corresponding to the attached connector; and a step of maintaining, when there is no function corresponding to the type of the attached connector, an unlock state of the connector.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This nonprovisional application is based on Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 2020-019733 filed on Feb. 7, 2020 with the Japan Patent Office, theentire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure relates to control of an electrically poweredvehicle equipped with a power storage device that can exchange powerwith an external electrical apparatus.

Description of the Background Art

In an electrically powered vehicle such as an electric car, a plug-inhybrid vehicle, or the like that uses a motor as a drive source,charging using a power supply external to the electrically poweredvehicle (hereinafter referred to as external charging) is performed on avehicle-mounted power storage device that supplies power to the drivesource. This external charging is performed for example by attaching(connecting) a connector connected to the external power supply to aninlet provided in the electrically powered vehicle. Examples of acharging method for external charging include a charging method usingalternating current (AC) power and a charging method using directcurrent (DC) power, and external charging using these charging methodsmay be performed using a common inlet. Further, a connector fordischarging may be attached to the inlet. There is also an electricallypowered vehicle in which, when such a connector is attached to an inlet,power feed to an electrical apparatus external to the electricallypowered vehicle (hereinafter referred to as external power feed) can beperformed using a vehicle-mounted power storage device as a powersupply. Accordingly, it is required to correctly determine the type of aconnector attached to an inlet.

For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-012697 discloses atechnique of determining whether a connector connected to an inlet is acharging connector or a discharging connector based on a signal providedvia the inlet.

SUMMARY

An inlet may be provided with a lock mechanism that restricts removal ofa connector (locks the connector) when the connector is attached to theinlet, to prevent the connector from being easily removed during asubsequent charging operation or discharging operation. However, if thelock mechanism is set to a state in which it locks the connector and theinlet irrespective of the type of the attached connector, a user mayhave a misunderstanding that the attached connector is accepted and anoperation corresponding to the type of the attached connector will beperformed. For example, if a connector for discharging is attached to aninlet of a vehicle for charging only and the lock mechanism is set tothe state in which it locks the connector and the inlet, the user mayhave a misunderstanding that a discharging operation will be performed.Thus, there may occur a situation in which, although the user expectsthat a charging operation or a discharging operation will be performed,the charging operation or the discharging operation is not performed.Further, as communalization of the inlet proceeds, various types ofconnectors are to be attached to the inlet, significantly exhibitingsuch a problem.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an electricallypowered vehicle that controls a lock mechanism appropriately accordingto the type of a connector attached to an inlet, and a method forcontrolling the electrically powered vehicle.

An electrically powered vehicle in accordance with an aspect of thepresent disclosure includes: a power storage device; an inlet to which aconnector of an external facility external to the vehicle can beattached; a lock mechanism that switches between a lock state and anunlock state, the lock state being a state in which removal of theconnector from the inlet is restricted, the unlock state being a statein which removal of the connector from the inlet is permitted; adetection device that detects attachment of the connector to the inlet;and a control device that controls the lock mechanism using a resultdetected by the detection device. When the attachment of the connectorto the inlet is detected, the control device obtains, from the externalfacility, first information about power which can be exchanged betweenthe connector and the power storage device. When the control devicedetermines based on the first information that the power can beexchanged between the connector and the power storage device, thecontrol device sets the lock mechanism to the lock state. When thecontrol device determines based on the first information that the powercannot be exchanged between the connector and the power storage device,the control device sets the lock mechanism to the unlock state.

With such a configuration, when it is determined based on the firstinformation that the power cannot be exchanged between the connector andthe power storage device, the lock mechanism is set to the unlock state.Thus, since the lock mechanism is not set to the lock state, it ispossible to make a user recognize that an operation corresponding to theattached connector cannot be performed. This can suppress the user fromhaving a misunderstanding on whether or not the operation correspondingto the attached connector can be performed. Further, when it isdetermined based on the first information that the power can beexchanged between the connector and the power storage device, the lockmechanism is set to the lock state. Thus, since the lock mechanism isset to the lock state, it is possible to make the user recognize thatthe operation corresponding to the attached connector can be performed.

In an embodiment, the control device includes a storage unit that storessecond information about the power which can be exchanged between theconnector and the power storage device. The control device determineswhether or not the power can be exchanged between the connector and thepower storage device, using a result of comparison between the firstinformation and the second information.

With such a configuration, since the second information about the powerwhich can be exchanged between the connector and the power storagedevice is stored in the storage unit of the control device, it ispossible to accurately determine whether or not the power can beexchanged between the connector and the power storage device, using theresult of comparison with the first information.

Further, in an embodiment, the first information includes at least oneof information indicating that power to be exchanged between theconnector and the inlet is AC power, and information indicating that thepower to be exchanged between the connector and the inlet is DC power.

With such a configuration, it is possible to accurately determinewhether or not the power can be exchanged between the connector and thepower storage device, using the first information.

Further, in an embodiment, the first information includes at least oneof information indicating that the power to be exchanged between theconnector and the power storage device is charging power for chargingthe power storage device, and information indicating that the power tobe exchanged between the connector and the power storage device isdischarging power discharged from the power storage device.

With such a configuration, it is possible to accurately determinewhether or not the power can be exchanged between the connector and thepower storage device, using the first information.

Further, in an embodiment, the first information includes at least oneof information about an upper limit value of a current in the power tobe exchanged between the connector and the power storage device,information about a lower limit value of the current in the power to beexchanged between the connector and the power storage device,information about an upper limit value of a voltage in the power to beexchanged between the connector and the power storage device, andinformation about a lower limit value of the voltage in the power to beexchanged between the connector and the power storage device.

With such a configuration, it is possible to accurately determinewhether or not the power can be exchanged between the connector and thepower storage device, using the first information.

Further, in an embodiment, the control device determines whether or notthe power can be exchanged between the connector and the power storagedevice, based on the first information and a state of charge of thepower storage device.

With such a configuration, it is possible to accurately determinewhether or not the power can be exchanged between the connector and thepower storage device, using the first information and the state ofcharge of the power storage device.

Further, in an embodiment, when the control device cannot determinewhether or not the power can be exchanged between the connector and thepower storage device based on the first information, the control devicesets the lock mechanism to the unlock state.

With such a configuration, since the lock mechanism is set to the unlockstate when it is not possible to determine whether or not the power canbe exchanged between the connector and the power storage device, thiscan suppress a situation where the lock mechanism is maintained in thelock state, for example, and thus the user cannot remove the connectorfrom the inlet.

Further, in an embodiment, when the attachment of the connector to theinlet is detected, the control device determines whether or not thepower can be exchanged between the connector and the power storagedevice based on the first information, and thereafter controls the lockmechanism using a result of determination.

With such a configuration, it is possible to make the user recognizewhether or not an operation corresponding to the attached connector canbe performed, based on whether the lock mechanism is set to the lockstate or the unlock state when the connector is attached. This cansuppress the user from having a misunderstanding on whether or not theoperation corresponding to the attached connector will be performed.

Further, in an embodiment, when the attachment of the connector to theinlet is detected, the control device sets the lock mechanism to thelock state. When the control device determines based on the firstinformation that the power cannot be exchanged between the connector andthe power storage device, the control device sets the lock mechanism tothe unlock state.

With such a configuration, since the lock mechanism is set to the unlockstate, it is possible to make the user recognize that an operationcorresponding to the attached connector cannot be performed. This cansuppress the user from having a misunderstanding on whether or not theoperation corresponding to the attached connector can be performed.

Further, in an embodiment, the electrically powered vehicle furtherincludes a notification device that notifies information indicatingwhether or not the power can be exchanged between the connector and thepower storage device.

With such a configuration, in addition to whether the lock mechanism isset to the lock state or the unlock state, whether or not the power canbe exchanged between the connector and the power storage device arenotified by the notification device. Thus, it is possible to make theuser recognize whether or not an operation corresponding to the attachedconnector can be performed. This can suppress the user from having amisunderstanding on whether or not the operation corresponding to theattached connector will be performed.

A method for controlling an electrically powered vehicle in accordancewith another aspect of the present disclosure is a method forcontrolling an electrically powered vehicle including a power storagedevice, an inlet, and a lock mechanism, a connector of an externalfacility external to the vehicle being attachable to the inlet, the lockmechanism switching between a lock state and an unlock state, the lockstate being a state in which removal of the connector from the inlet isrestricted, the unlock state being a state in which removal of theconnector from the inlet is permitted. The control method includes:detecting attachment of the connector to the inlet; when the attachmentof the connector to the inlet is detected, obtaining, from the externalfacility, first information about power which can be exchanged betweenthe connector and the power storage device; when it is determined basedon the first information that the power can be exchanged between theconnector and the power storage device, setting the lock mechanism tothe lock state; and when it is determined based on the first informationthat the power cannot be exchanged between the connector and the powerstorage device, setting the lock mechanism to the unlock state.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of thepresent disclosure will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of the present disclosure when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of a configuration of a vehicle.

FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of a circuit configuration in apower feed facility and the vehicle.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing an example of changes in a pilot signalCPLT and a connector connection signal PISW.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by anECU.

FIG. 5 is a view for describing ranges of a potential of connectorconnection signal PISW which can be obtained depending on the types andconnection states of connectors.

FIG. 6 is a view for describing ranges of the potential of connectorconnection signal PISW which can be obtained depending on the types andconnection states of the connectors in a variation.

FIG. 7 is a view for describing ranges of the potential of connectorconnection signal PISW which can be obtained depending on the types andconnection states of the connectors in another variation.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by theECU in a variation.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of a configuration of the vehicle ina variation.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by theECU in another variation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be describedin detail, with reference to the drawings. It should be noted thatidentical or corresponding parts in the drawings will be designated bythe same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not berepeated.

In the following, a configuration of an electrically powered vehicle(hereinafter referred to as a vehicle) 200 in accordance with thepresent embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a view showing anexample of a configuration of vehicle 200. Vehicle 200 includes anelectrically powered vehicle such as a plug-in hybrid car, an electriccar, or the like, for example, that can exchange power with anelectrical apparatus external to vehicle 200. FIG. 1 assumes a casewhere vehicle 200 is parked at a parking space provided with a powerfeed facility 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, vehicle 200 includes an electronic control unit(ECU) 100, an inlet 202, a power conversion device 204, a lock mechanism206, a battery 214, an inverter 216, and a motor generator (MG) 218.

Motor generator 218 is a three-phase AC rotating electric machine, forexample, and has a function as an electric motor (a motor) and afunction as a power generator (a generator). That is, motor generator218 exchanges power with inverter 216.

For example, during driving of vehicle 200, motor generator 218 providesa rotating force to drive wheels 222 using power supplied from inverter216. Drive wheels 222 are rotated by the rotating force provided bymotor generator 218, and cause vehicle 200 to travel. It should be notedthat the number of motor generators 218 is not limited to one, and aplurality of motor generators 218 may be provided.

Inverter 216 bidirectionally converts power between motor generator 218and battery 214 in response to a control signal from ECU 100. Forexample, during driving of motor generator 218, inverter 216 converts DCpower of battery 214 into AC power and supplies it to motor generator218. Further, for example, during power generation of motor generator218, inverter 216 converts AC power (regenerative power) generated inmotor generator 218 into DC power and supplies it to battery 214. Itshould be noted that a converter for adjusting the voltage of inverter216 and the voltage of battery 214 may be provided between inverter 216and battery 214.

Battery 214 is a rechargeable power storage element, for example, and asecondary battery such as a nickel hydrogen battery or a lithium ionbattery having a solid or liquid electrolyte is representatively appliedthereto. Alternatively, battery 214 may be any power storage device thatcan store power, and for example, a large-capacity capacitor may be usedinstead of battery 214.

On battery 214, external charging using power supplied from power feedfacility 10 is performed. External charging includes AC charging usingDC power supplied by converting AC power supplied from an externalfacility (power feed facility 10) to inlet 202 in power conversiondevice 204, and DC charging using DC power supplied by supplying DCpower supplied from power feed facility 10 to inlet 202 without passingthrough power conversion device 204.

Inlet 202 is provided in an exterior portion of vehicle 200 togetherwith a cover (not shown) such as a lid, and is constituted such thatvarious connectors described later can be attached thereto. Inlet 202 isconstituted such that it can exchange power with a facility external tovehicle 200 (hereinafter referred to as an external facility). Here, anexpression “power can be exchanged” indicates that at least one ofcharging or discharging is possible. That is, inlet 202 can receivesupply of power to be used to charge battery 214, from the externalfacility. Further, inlet 202 enables supply (discharging) of power ofbattery 214 to the external facility.

Inlet 202 has a shape that allows attachment thereto of any of an ACcharging connector 17 used for AC charging, a DC charging connector 18used for DC charging, and an AC discharging connector 19 used for ACdischarging. It should be noted that AC discharging indicates externaldischarging that supplies AC power from vehicle 200 to an externalfacility (for example, an electrical apparatus 21).

Inlet 202 is provided with AC connection portions 202 a and 202 b, DCconnection portions 202 f and 202 g, and communication portions 202 c to202 e.

When AC charging connector 17 of power feed facility 10 is attached toinlet 202, AC connection portions (see FIG. 2) of AC charging connector17 are electrically connected to AC connection portions 202 a and 202 bof inlet 202, and communication portions (see FIG. 2) of AC chargingconnector 17 are connected to communication portions 202 c to 202 e ofinlet 202.

When DC charging connector 18 of power feed facility 10 is attached toinlet 202, DC connection portions (not shown) of DC charging connector18 are electrically connected to DC connection portions 202 f and 202 gof inlet 202, and communication portions (not shown) of DC chargingconnector 18 are connected to communication portions 202 c to 202 e ofinlet 202.

Further, when AC discharging connector 19 is attached to inlet 202, ACconnection portions (not shown) of AC discharging connector 19 areelectrically connected to AC connection portions 202 a and 202 b ofinlet 202, and communication portions (not shown) of AC dischargingconnector 19 are connected to communication portions 202 c and 202 d ofinlet 202. One end of AC discharging connector 19 has a shape formed tobe attachable to inlet 202, and the other end of AC dischargingconnector 19 is provided with a socket 20. Socket 20 has a shape thatallows connection thereto of a plug 22 of electrical apparatus 21. Itshould be noted that electrical apparatus 21 includes an electricalhousehold apparatus or the like operating at AC 100 V, for example.

Power conversion device 204 performs power conversion between battery214 and inlet 202 in response to a control signal from ECU 100.

For example, when AC charging for battery 214 is performed with ACcharging connector 17 being attached to inlet 202, power conversiondevice 204 converts AC power supplied from AC charging connector 17 intoDC power, and charges battery 214 using the converted DC power.

Further, for example, when AC discharging using battery 214 is performedwith AC discharging connector 19 being attached to inlet 202 and withplug 22 of electrical apparatus 21 being connected to socket 20 of ACdischarging connector 19, power conversion device 204 converts DC powersupplied from battery 214 into AC power, and supplies the converted ACpower (for example, AC 100 V) to electrical apparatus 21.

Lock mechanism 206 switches between a state in which it restrictsremoval of a connector attached to inlet 202 to keep the connecter fixedto inlet 202 (a lock state), and a state in which it cancels therestriction on the removal of the connector to allow the removal of theconnector from inlet 202 (an unlock state). Lock mechanism 206 isprovided with, for example, an actuator that actuates a member to aposition at which the member restricts movement of the connectorattached to inlet 202 to achieve the lock state, or actuates the memberto a position at which the member permits movement of the connectorattached to inlet 202 to achieve the unlock state. That is, lockmechanism 206 switches between the lock state and the unlock state inresponse to a control signal from ECU 100.

ECU 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101 and a memory(including a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), orthe like, for example) 102, and controls each device (for example, powerconversion device 204, lock mechanism 206, or inverter 216) such thatvehicle 200 enters a desired state, based on information such as maps,programs, and the like stored in memory 102 and information from varioussensors. It should be noted that various controls performed by ECU 100are not limited to be processed by software, but also can be processedby constructing dedicated hardware (electronic circuitry).

Further, when a connector (AC charging connector 17, DC chargingconnector 18, or AC discharging connector 19) is attached to inlet 202,ECU 100 performs communication processing for receiving predeterminedinformation from a connector-side apparatus (power feed facility 10 orAC discharging connector 19). The predetermined information includes,for example, information about power which can be exchanged betweenpower feed facility 10 and battery 214 (such as a connector connectionsignal PISW described later).

For example, when AC charging connector 17 is attached to inlet 202, ECU100 receives, from power feed facility 10 (more specifically, ACcharging connector 17), the predetermined information that includesinformation indicating that the communication portions of AC chargingconnector 17 are connected to communication portions 202 c, 202 d, and202 e of inlet 202, and power to be exchanged between attached ACcharging connector 17 and inlet 202 is AC power, and informationindicating that the power to be exchanged between AC charging connector17 and inlet 202 is charging power for charging battery 214.

Alternatively, for example, when DC charging connector 18 is attached toinlet 202, ECU 100 receives, from power feed facility 10 (morespecifically, DC charging connector 18), the predetermined informationthat includes information indicating that the communication portions ofDC charging connector 18 are connected to communication portions 202 c,202 d, and 202 e of inlet 202, and power to be exchanged between DCcharging connector 18 attached from power feed facility 10 and inlet 202is DC power, and information indicating that the power to be exchangedbetween DC charging connector 18 and inlet 202 is charging power.

Alternatively, for example, when AC discharging connector 19 is attachedto inlet 202, ECU 100 receives, from AC discharging connector 19, thepredetermined information that includes information indicating that thecommunication portions of AC discharging connector 19 are connected tocommunication portions 202 c and 202 d of inlet 202, and power to beexchanged between attached AC discharging connector 19 and inlet 202 isAC power, and information indicating that the power to be exchangedbetween AC discharging connector 19 and inlet 202 is discharging powerfor discharging battery 214.

When AC charging connector 17 of power feed facility 10 is attached toinlet 202 of vehicle 200, power feed facility 10 supplies AC power toinlet 202. The AC power supplied to inlet 202 is converted into DC powerby power conversion device 204. The converted DC power is supplied tobattery 214, and battery 214 is charged.

When DC charging connector 18 of power feed facility 10 is attached toinlet 202 of vehicle 200, power feed facility 10 supplies DC power toinlet 202. The DC power supplied to inlet 202 is supplied to battery 214without passing through power conversion device 204, and battery 214 ischarged.

Referring to FIG. 2, a circuit configuration in power feed facility 10and vehicle 200 will be examined below, for an exemplary case where ACcharging connector 17 is attached to inlet 202. FIG. 2 is a view showingan example of a circuit configuration in power feed facility 10 andvehicle 200.

Power feed facility 10 includes power feed relays K1 and K2, a powerfeed control device 10 a, and an oscillation circuit 10 b. When powerfeed relays K1 and K2 are in an open state, a power feed path is cutoff. Further, when power feed relays K1 and K2 are in a closed state,power from an AC power supply (not shown) for power feed facility 10 canbe supplied to vehicle 200 through AC charging connector 17 and inlet202.

Oscillation circuit 10 b outputs a pilot signal CPLT to ECU 100 throughAC charging connector 17 and inlet 202. Pilot signal CPLT has apotential controlled by ECU 100, and is used as a signal for remotelycontrolling power feed relays K1 and K2 from ECU 100.

Power feed control device 10 a controls power feed relays K1 and K2based on the potential of pilot signal CPLT. Further, pilot signal CPLTis used as a signal for notifying a rated current during AC chargingfrom oscillation circuit 10 b to ECU 100.

Power feed control device 10 a includes a CPU, a memory, and the like(all not shown). Power feed control device 10 a detects the potential ofpilot signal CPLT outputted by oscillation circuit 10 b, and controls anoperation of oscillation circuit 10 b based on the detected potential ofpilot signal CPLT.

When the connector is not connected to inlet 202, power feed controldevice 10 a controls the operation of oscillation circuit 10 b to outputpilot signal CPLT that has a potential V0 (for example, +12 V) and doesnot oscillate.

Specifically, oscillation circuit 10 b includes a switch S1 and aresistor R1, for example. One end of resistor R1 is connected to switchS1. The other end of resistor R1 is connected to one end of a signalline L1. The other end of signal line L1 is electrically connected tocommunication portion 202 e when AC charging connector 17 is attached toinlet 202. Switch S1 is constituted to establish conduction betweenresistor R1 and one of a power supply having +12 V of power feed controldevice 10 a and an oscillation device of power feed control device 10 a.When the connector is not connected to inlet 202, power feed controldevice 10 a controls switch S1 to establish conduction between resistorR1 and the power supply having +12 V. Thus, oscillation circuit 10 boutputs pilot signal CPLT that has a potential of +12 V and does notoscillate, to signal line L1.

When the connector is connected to inlet 202, power feed control device10 a controls the operation of oscillation circuit 10 b to output pilotsignal CPLT that oscillates at prescribed frequency and duty cycle.

Specifically, for example, when AC charging connector 17 is connected,conduction is established between resistor R1 and a resistor R3(described later) on the vehicle 200 side, and the potential of pilotsignal CPLT decreases to V1 which is lower than V0. Accordingly, powerfeed control device 10 a controls switch S1 to establish conductionbetween resistor R1 and the oscillation device. Thus, oscillationcircuit 10 b outputs pilot signal CPLT that has an upper limit value ofits potential of V1 and oscillates at prescribed frequency and dutycycle, to signal line L1.

The duty cycle of pilot signal CPLT is preset according to the ratedcurrent. ECU 100 can obtain the rated current of power feed facility 10,using the duty cycle of pilot signal CPLT received via communicationportion 202 e.

When the upper limit value of the potential of pilot signal CPLTdecreases to V2 (<V1), power feed control device 10 a controls powerfeed relays K1 and K2 to be set to a closed state. Thereby, the powerfrom the AC power supply is supplied to inlet 202 via AC chargingconnector 17. The upper limit value of the potential of pilot signalCPLT decreases to V2 by setting a switch S2 (described later) to aconductive state, for example.

AC charging connector 17 includes resistors R4 and RC, and a switch S3.One end of switch S3 is connected to a ground line L3. The other end ofswitch S3 is connected to one end of resistor RC. Resistor R4 isconnected in parallel with switch S3. The other end of resistor RC isconnected to a signal line L2. Signal line L2 is electrically connectedto communication portion 202 d when AC charging connector 17 is attachedto inlet 202.

Switch S3 works in cooperation with a push button (not shown) providedto AC charging connector 17. When the push button is not pushed, switchS3 is in a closed state. When the push button is pushed, switch S3 is inan open state.

One end of a resistor R5 is connected to communication portion 202 d,and the other end of resistor R5 is connected to a power supply Vsmp.ECU 100 is constituted such that it can obtain a potential betweenresistor R5 and communication portion 202 d. Resistors RC, R4, and R5,switch S3, and power supply Vsmp constitute a connection detectioncircuit for detecting a connection state between AC charging connector17 and inlet 202.

When AC charging connector 17 is not attached to inlet 202, a signal ofa potential (V3) determined by a voltage of power supply Vsmp and aresistance value of resistor R5 is generated in signal line L2 asconnector connection signal PISW.

When AC charging connector 17 is attached to inlet 202 and the pushbutton is not operated, a signal of a potential (V4) determined by thevoltage of power supply Vsmp and resistance values of resistors R5 andRC is generated in signal line L2 as connector connection signal PISW.

When the push button is operated with AC charging connector 17 beingattached to inlet 202, a signal of a potential determined by the voltageof power supply Vsmp and resistance values of resistors R4, R5, and RCis generated in signal line L2 as connector connection signal PISW.

Therefore, ECU 100 can detect the connection state between AC chargingconnector 17 and inlet 202 by obtaining a potential of connectorconnection signal PISW. In addition, in AC charging connector 17, DCcharging connector 18, and AC discharging connector 19, at leastresistors RC are different. Accordingly, ECU 100 can obtain the type ofa connected connector, based on the potential of connector connectionsignal PISW when the connector is connected to inlet 202.

Vehicle 200 further includes a resistance circuit 110. Resistancecircuit 110 is a circuit for controlling the potential of pilot signalCPLT to be generated in signal line L1. Resistance circuit 110 includesresistors R2 and R3, and switch S2.

One end of resistor R2 is connected to ground line L3 through switch S2.The other end of resistor R2 is connected to signal line L1 in whichpilot signal CPLT is generated. Resistor R3 is connected between signalline L1 and ground line L3. That is, one end of resistor R3 is connectedto ground line L3. The other end of resistor R3 is connected to signalline L1. Switch S2 is turned on/off in response to a control signal fromECU 100.

When switch S2 is set to an OFF state (a cut-off state) in a case whereAC charging connector 17 is attached to inlet 202, the potential ofpilot signal CPLT is set to potential V1 determined by resistance valuesof resistors R1 and R3. When switch S2 is set to an ON state (aconductive state) in the case where AC charging connector 17 is attachedto inlet 202, the potential of pilot signal CPLT is set to potential V2determined by resistance values of resistors R1, R2, and R3.

When AC charging connector 17 is attached to inlet 202, ECU 100 requestspower feed facility 10 to feed power and stop feeding power, byswitching ON/OFF of switch S2 and changing the potential of pilot signalCPLT.

Specifically, ECU 100 requests power feed facility 10 to feed power, bysetting switch S2 to an ON state and changing the potential of pilotsignal CPLT from V1 to V2, for example. In addition, ECU 100 requestspower feed facility 10 to stop feeding power, by setting switch S2 to anOFF state and changing the potential of pilot signal CPLT from V2 to V1,for example.

When switch S2 is set to an ON state and thereby power feed relays K1and K2 are set to a closed state by power feed control device 10 a, ACpower is supplied from power feed facility 10 to power conversion device204 via inlet 202. After completion of predetermined chargingpreparation processing, ECU 100 operates power conversion device 204 toconvert the AC power into DC power and charge battery 214.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing an example of changes in pilot signalCPLT and connector connection signal PISW. The axis of abscissas in FIG.3 represents time. The axis of ordinates in FIG. 3 represents thepotential of pilot signal CPLT and the potential of connector connectionsignal PISW. The potential of pilot signal CPLT is obtained by powerfeed control device 10 a and ECU 100. The potential of connectorconnection signal PISW is obtained by ECU 100. Further, as describedabove, potential V3 of connector connection signal PISW indicates thatAC charging connector 17 is not attached to inlet 202. Potential V4 ofconnector connection signal PISW indicates that AC charging connector 17is attached to inlet 202.

It is assumed that AC charging connector 17 is attached to inlet 202 ata time t1. Prior to time t1, the potential of pilot signal CPLT is V0,because AC charging connector 17 is not attached to inlet 202.

When AC charging connector 17 is attached to inlet 202 at time t1, thepotential of pilot signal CPLT decreases to V1. Thereby, power feedcontrol device 10 a recognizes that AC charging connector 17 is attachedto inlet 202, and controls switch S1 to establish conduction betweenresistor R1 and the oscillation device of power feed control device 10 aat a time t2. Thereby, pilot signal CPLT oscillates, with an upper limitvalue of its potential being set to V1.

When the predetermined charging preparation processing is completed at atime t3, ECU 100 controls switch S2 to be set to a conductive state.Thereby, pilot signal CPLT oscillates, with an upper limit value of itspotential being set to V2. When the upper limit value of the potentialof pilot signal CPLT is set to V2, power feed control device 10 acontrols power feed relays K1 and K2 to be set to a conductive state.Thereby, AC power is supplied from power feed facility 10 to inlet 202.

It should be noted that, in a case where DC charging connector 18 ofpower feed facility 10 is attached to inlet 202, the case is differentin that a DC power supply is connected to DC connection portions 202 fand 202 g through power feed relays (not shown), instead of connectingthe AC power supply to AC connection portions 202 a and 202 b throughpower feed relays K1 and K2. Further, a range of the potential ofconnector connection signal PISW which can be obtained when DC chargingconnector 18 is connected to inlet 202 is different from a range of thepotential of connector connection signal PISW which can be obtained whenAC charging connector 17 is connected to inlet 202 (a predeterminedrange including potential V4). Furthermore, a range of the potential ofconnector connection signal PISW which can be obtained when ACdischarging connector 19 is connected to inlet 202 is different fromboth the range of the potential of connector connection signal PISWwhich can be obtained when DC charging connector 18 is connected toinlet 202, and the range of the potential of connector connection signalPISW which can be obtained when AC charging connector 17 is connected toinlet 202.

When any of AC charging connector 17, DC charging connector 18, and ACdischarging connector 19 is attached to inlet 202 in vehicle 200 havinga configuration as described above, lock mechanism 206 is used toachieve the lock state, to prevent the connector from being easilyremoved during a subsequent charging operation or discharging operationas described above.

However, if lock mechanism 206 is set to the state in which it locks theconnector and inlet 202 irrespective of the type of the connectorattached to inlet 202, a user may have a misunderstanding that theattached connector is accepted and an operation corresponding to thetype of the attached connector will be performed. For example, if aconnector for discharging is attached to an inlet of a vehicle forcharging only and lock mechanism 206 is set to the state in which itlocks the connector and inlet 202, the user may have a misunderstandingthat a discharging operation will be performed. Thus, there may occur asituation in which, although the user expects that a charging operationor a discharging operation will be performed, the charging operation orthe discharging operation is not performed. Further, as communalizationof inlet 202 proceeds, various types of connectors are to be attached toinlet 202, significantly exhibiting such a problem.

Accordingly, in the present embodiment, when attachment of a connectorto inlet 202 is detected, ECU 100 obtains predetermined informationabout power which can be exchanged between the connector and battery214, from an external facility (power feed facility 10 or AC dischargingconnector 19). When ECU 100 determines based on the predeterminedinformation that the power can be exchanged between the connector andbattery 214, ECU 100 sets lock mechanism 206 to the lock state. When ECU100 determines based on the predetermined information that the powercannot be exchanged between the connector and battery 214, ECU 100 setslock mechanism 206 to the unlock state.

With such a configuration, when it is determined based on thepredetermined information that the power cannot be exchanged between theconnector and battery 214, lock mechanism 206 is set to the unlockstate. Thus, since lock mechanism 206 is not set to the lock state, itis possible to make the user recognize that an operation correspondingto the attached connector cannot be performed. This can suppress theuser from having a misunderstanding on whether or not the operationcorresponding to the attached connector can be performed. Further, whenit is determined based on the predetermined information that the powercan be exchanged between the connector and battery 214, lock mechanism206 is set to the lock state. Thus, since lock mechanism 206 is set tothe lock state, it is possible to make the user recognize that theoperation corresponding to the attached connector can be performed.

Referring to FIG. 4, processing performed by ECU 100 of vehicle 200 inaccordance with the present embodiment will be described below. FIG. 4is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by ECU 100.ECU 100 repeatedly performs the processing shown in FIG. 4 in apredetermined control cycle.

In step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 100, ECU 100 obtains pilot signalCPLT and connector connection signal PISW.

In S102, ECU 100 determines whether or not a connector is attached toinlet 202. For example, when the potential of pilot signal CPLT changesfrom a potential within a range including V0 (corresponding to a fourthrange described later) to a potential out of the range, ECU 100determines that a connector is attached to inlet 202. When it isdetermined that a connector is attached (YES in S102), the processingproceeds to S104.

In S104, ECU 100 determines the type of the attached connector. That is,resistance values of resistors RC and resistance values of resistors R4different depending on the types of the connectors are preset. Sincedifferent values are set as the resistance values of resistors RC andthe resistance values of resistors R4, ranges of the potential ofconnector connection signal PISW which are different depending on thetypes of the connectors attached to inlet 202 can be obtained. ECU 100determines the type of the connector based on within which of aplurality of preset ranges the potential of connector connection signalPISW obtained when the connector is attached to inlet 202 falls.

FIG. 5 is a view for describing ranges of the potential of connectorconnection signal PISW which can be obtained depending on the types andconnection states of the connectors. The axis of ordinates in FIG. 5represents the potential of connector connection signal PISW.

As shown in FIG. 5, as the ranges of the potential of connectorconnection signal PISW which can be obtained depending on the types andconnection states of the connectors, a first range from V(0) to V(1), asecond range from V(2) to V(3), a third range from V(4) to V(5), and afourth range from V(6) to V(7) are preset. The first range indicates arange of the potential of connector connection signal PISW which can beobtained when AC discharging connector 19 is attached to inlet 202. Thesecond range indicates a range of the potential of connector connectionsignal PISW which can be obtained when AC charging connector 17 isattached to inlet 202 (including potential V4). The third rangeindicates a range of the potential of connector connection signal PISWwhich can be obtained when DC charging connector 18 is attached to inlet202. The fourth range indicates a range of the potential of connectorconnection signal PISW which can be obtained when no connector isattached to inlet 202 (including potential V3).

For example, when the potential of connector connection signal PISW is apotential within the first range, ECU 100 determines that the connectorattached to inlet 202 is AC discharging connector 19. In addition, forexample, when the potential of connector connection signal PISW is apotential within the second range, ECU 100 determines that the connectorattached to inlet 202 is AC charging connector 17. Further, for example,when the potential of connector connection signal PISW is a potentialwithin the third range, ECU 100 determines that the connector attachedto inlet 202 is DC charging connector 18. Further, for example, when thepotential of connector connection signal PISW is a potential within thefourth range, ECU 100 determines that no connector is attached (noconnector is connected) to inlet 202. Further, for example, when thepotential of connector connection signal PISW is not a potential withinany of the first to fourth ranges, ECU 100 determines that the type ofthe connector attached to inlet 202 is unclear.

In S106, ECU 100 determines whether or not there is a functioncorresponding to the type of the attached connector. In memory 102 ofECU 100, for example, information indicating types of availableconnectors is stored. When the determined type of the connector isincluded in the types of the available connectors stored beforehand inmemory 102 of ECU 100, ECU 100 determines that there is a functioncorresponding to the type of the connected connector. When thedetermined type of the connector is not included in the types of theavailable connectors stored in memory 102, ECU 100 determines that thereis no function corresponding to the type of the connected connector.Further, for example, when ECU 100 determines that the type of theconnected connector is unclear, ECU 100 determines that there is nofunction corresponding to the type of the connected connector. Further,in the present embodiment, a connector used for DC discharging is notincluded in memory 102 of ECU 100 as a type of an available connector.It should be noted that DC discharging indicates external dischargingthat supplies DC power from DC connection portions 202 f and 202 g to anexternal facility. When it is determined that there is a functioncorresponding to the type of the connected connector (YES in S106), theprocessing proceeds to S108.

In S108, ECU 100 controls lock mechanism 206 to be set to the lock statein which the attached connector is locked at inlet 202.

In S110, ECU 100 performs control corresponding to the attachedconnector. For example, when AC charging connector 17 is attached toinlet 202, ECU 100 sets switch S2 to an ON state after the completion ofthe predetermined charging preparation processing. When the potential ofpilot signal CPLT thereby changes to V2, power feed control device 10 asets power feed relays K1 and K2 between the AC power supply and ACcharging connector 17 to an ON state. Thus, AC power is supplied fromthe AC power supply to inlet 202. On this occasion, ECU 100 operatespower conversion device 204 to convert the AC power into DC power.Thereby, AC charging is performed on battery 214.

Alternatively, when DC charging connector 18 is attached to inlet 202,ECU 100 sets switch S2 to an ON state after the completion of thepredetermined charging preparation processing. When the potential ofpilot signal CPLT thereby changes to V2, the power feed relays betweenthe DC power supply and DC charging connector 18 are set to an ON state.Thus, DC power is supplied from the DC power supply to battery 214 viainlet 202. Thereby, DC charging is performed on battery 214.

Further, when AC discharging connector 19 is attached to inlet 202, ECU100 operates power conversion device 204 to convert the DC power ofbattery 214 into AC power. Thereby, when plug 22 of electrical apparatus21 is connected to socket 20 of AC discharging connector 19, the ACpower from power conversion device 204 is supplied to electricalapparatus 21. Thereby, AC discharging using battery 214 is performed.Electrical apparatus 21 operates using the AC power supplied by ACdischarging. It should be noted that, when it is determined that thereis no function corresponding to the type of the attached connector (NOin S106), the processing proceeds to S112.

In S112, ECU 100 controls lock mechanism 206 to maintain the unlockstate in which removal of the attached connector is permitted.

An operation of ECU 100 of vehicle 200 based on the structure and theflowchart as described above will be described. It should be noted that,as described above, the connector used for DC discharging is notincluded as a type of an available connector stored in memory 102 of ECU100.

<Case where AC Charging Connector 17 is Attached to Inlet 202>

For example, it is assumed that the user attaches AC charging connector17 of power feed facility 10 to inlet 202.

When pilot signal CPLT and connector connection signal PISW are obtained(S100) and the potential of obtained connector connection signal PISW isa potential within the fourth range, it is determined that no connectoris attached to inlet 202 (NO in S102). On the other hand, when thepotential of connector connection signal PISW changes from the potentialwithin the fourth range to a potential within the second range (i.e.,out of the fourth range), it is determined that a connector is attachedto inlet 202 (YES in S102). Further, since the potential of connectorconnection signal PISW is the potential within the second range, it isdetermined that the type of the attached connector is AC chargingconnector 17 (S104).

Since the connector used for AC charging is included as a type of anavailable connector stored in memory 102 of ECU 100, it is determinedthat there is a function corresponding to the type of the attachedconnector (YES in S106), and lock mechanism 206 is controlled such thatAC charging connector 17 is set to a lock state with respect to inlet202 (S108). Then, AC charging is started (S110). Thus, AC power suppliedfrom power feed facility 10 is converted into DC power in powerconversion device 204 and is supplied to battery 214, and battery 214 ischarged.

<Case where DC Charging Connector 18 is Attached to Inlet 202>

For example, it is assumed that the user attaches DC charging connector18 of power feed facility 10 to inlet 202.

When pilot signal CPLT and connector connection signal PISW are obtained(S100) and the potential of obtained connector connection signal PISWchanges from the potential within the fourth range to a potential withinthe third range (i.e., out of the fourth range), it is determined that aconnector is attached to inlet 202 (YES in S102). Further, since thepotential of connector connection signal PISW is the potential withinthe third range, it is determined that the type of the attachedconnector is DC charging connector 18 (S104).

Since the connector used for DC charging is included as a type of anavailable connector stored in memory 102 of ECU 100, it is determinedthat there is a function corresponding to the type of the attachedconnector (YES in S106), and lock mechanism 206 is controlled such thatDC charging connector 18 is set to the lock state with respect to inlet202 (S108). Then, DC charging is started (S110). Thus, DC power suppliedfrom power feed facility 10 is supplied to battery 214, and battery 214is charged.

<Case where AC Discharging Connector 19 is Attached to Inlet 202>

For example, it is assumed that the user attaches AC dischargingconnector 19 to inlet 202.

When pilot signal CPLT and connector connection signal PISW are obtained(S100) and the potential of obtained connector connection signal PISWchanges from the potential within the fourth range to a potential withinthe first range (i.e., out of the fourth range), it is determined that aconnector is attached to inlet 202 (YES in S102). Further, since thepotential of connector connection signal PISW is the potential withinthe first range, it is determined that the type of the attachedconnector is AC discharging connector 19 (S104).

Since the connector used for AC discharging is included as a type of anavailable connector stored in memory 102 of ECU 100, it is determinedthat there is a function corresponding to the type of the attachedconnector (YES in S106), and lock mechanism 206 is controlled such thatAC discharging connector 19 is set to the lock state with respect toinlet 202 (S108). Then, AC discharging is started (S110). Thus, DC powerof battery 214 is converted into AC power by power conversion device204. When plug 22 of electrical apparatus 21 is attached to socket 20 ofAC discharging connector 19, electrical apparatus 21 operates using theAC power converted by power conversion device 204.

<Case where a Connector for DC Discharging is Attached to Inlet 202>

For example, it is assumed that the user attaches a connector for DCdischarging to inlet 202.

When pilot signal CPLT and connector connection signal PISW are obtained(S100) and the potential of obtained connector connection signal PISWchanges from the potential within the fourth range to a potential out ofthe fourth range, it is determined that a connector is attached to inlet202 (YES in S102). Further, when the potential of connector connectionsignal PISW is not a potential within any of the first, second, andthird ranges, it is determined that the type of the attached connectoris unclear (S104). Thus, it is determined that there is no functioncorresponding to the type of the attached connector (NO in S106), andlock mechanism 206 is controlled to maintain the unlock state in whichremoval of the connector from inlet 202 is permitted (S112).

As described above, according to the electrically powered vehicle inaccordance with the present embodiment, when the type of the attachedconnector (corresponding to first information) obtained based on thepotential of connector connection signal PISW is not included in thetypes of the available connectors (corresponding to second informationand information indicating that power can be exchanged between theconnector and battery 214) stored in memory 102 of ECU 100, lockmechanism 206 is set to the unlock state. Thus, since lock mechanism 206is not set to the lock state, it is possible to make the user recognizethat an operation corresponding to the attached connector cannot beperformed. This can suppress the user from having a misunderstanding onwhether or not the operation corresponding to the attached connector canbe performed. Further, when the type of the attached connector isincluded in the types of the available connectors stored in memory 102of ECU 100, lock mechanism 206 is set to the lock state. Thus, sincelock mechanism 206 is set to the lock state, it is possible to make theuser recognize that the operation corresponding to the attachedconnector can be performed. Therefore, an electrically powered vehiclethat controls a lock mechanism appropriately according to the type of aconnector attached to an inlet, and a method for controlling theelectrically powered vehicle can be provided.

Variations will be described below.

Although the above embodiment has described that the type of theconnector is determined using the potential of connector connectionsignal PISW, an element such as an upper limit value or a lower limitvalue of a current to be exchanged, or an upper limit value or a lowerlimit value of a voltage, for example, may be added to the type of theconnector, and then the type of the connector may be determined usingthe potential of connector connection signal PISW.

For example, when there are a connector for AC charging in which theupper limit value of the current is set to Ia, and another connector forAC charging in which the upper limit value of the current is set to Ibwhich is higher than Ia, these two connectors can be distinguished usingthe potential of connector connection signal PISW, by setting resistorsRC in these two connectors to have different values.

FIG. 6 is a view for describing ranges of the potential of connectorconnection signal PISW which can be obtained depending on the types andconnection states of the connectors in a variation. The axis ofordinates in FIG. 6 represents the potential of connector connectionsignal PISW.

As shown in FIG. 6, as the ranges of the potential of connectorconnection signal PISW which can be obtained depending on the types andconnection states of the connectors, the first range from V(0) to V(1),the second range from V(2) to V(3), the third range from V(4) to V(5),and the fourth range from V(6) to V(7) are preset. The first rangeindicates a range of the potential of connector connection signal PISWwhich can be obtained when AC discharging connector 19 is attached toinlet 202. The second range indicates a range of the potential ofconnector connection signal PISW which can be obtained when AC chargingconnector 17 is attached to inlet 202 (including potential V4). Thethird range indicates a range of the potential of connector connectionsignal PISW which can be obtained when DC charging connector 18 isattached to inlet 202. The fourth range indicates a range of thepotential of connector connection signal PISW which can be obtained whenno connector is attached to inlet 202 (including potential V3).

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the second range is subdivided into a rangefrom V(2) to V(8) and a range from V(8) to V(3). The range from V(2) toV(8) indicates a range of the potential of connector connection signalPISW which can be obtained when a connector in which a charging currentduring AC charging is limited at upper limit value Ia is attached toinlet 202. The range from V(8) to V(3) indicates a range of thepotential of connector connection signal PISW which can be obtained whena connector in which a charging current during AC charging is limited atupper limit value Ib (>Ia) is attached to inlet 202.

For example, when the potential of connector connection signal PISW is apotential within the second range and is a potential within the rangefrom V(2) to V(8), ECU 100 determines that the connector attached toinlet 202 is the connector used for AC charging in which the upper limitvalue of the current is set to Ia. Further, when the potential ofconnector connection signal PISW is a potential within the second rangeand is a potential within the range from V(8) to V(3), ECU 100determines that the connector attached to inlet 202 is the connectorused for AC charging in which the upper limit value of the current isset to Ib.

With such a configuration, when the attached connector of the power feedfacility is a connector that is also used for AC charging but isintended for charging exceeding the upper limit value of the current orthe upper limit value of the voltage available in vehicle 200, lockmechanism 206 is controlled to maintain the unlock state. Thus, it ispossible to make the user recognize that an operation corresponding tothe attached connector cannot be performed.

It should be noted that, although FIG. 6 illustrates the case where thesecond range of the potential of connector connection signal PISW whichcan be obtained when the connector used for AC charging is attached issubdivided into two ranges based on current upper limit values, thesecond range may be further subdivided into a plurality of ranges, orthe third range of the potential of connector connection signal PISWwhich can be obtained when the connector used for DC charging isattached may be subdivided into a plurality of ranges based on currentupper limit values. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, the second rangemay be subdivided into two ranges or a plurality of ranges based onvoltage upper limit values Va and Vb instead of current upper limitvalues Ia and Ib. FIG. 7 is a view for describing ranges of thepotential of connector connection signal PISW which can be obtaineddepending on the types and connection states of the connectors inanother variation. Unlike FIG. 6 showing that the second range issubdivided based on current upper limit values Ia and Ib, FIG. 7 showsthat the second range is subdivided based on voltage upper limit valuesVa and Vb. With such a configuration, it is possible to determinewhether the connector attached to inlet 202 is a connector used for ACcharging in which the upper limit value of the voltage is set to Va, ora connector used for AC charging in which the upper limit value of thevoltage is set to Vb.

Further, although FIG. 6 illustrates the case where the second range ofthe potential of connector connection signal PISW which can be obtainedwhen the connector used for AC charging is attached is subdivided intotwo ranges based on two current upper limit values, the second range maybe subdivided into two ranges based on two current lower limit values.

Further, although FIG. 7 illustrates the case where the second range ofthe potential of connector connection signal PISW which can be obtainedwhen the connector used for AC charging is attached is subdivided intotwo ranges based on two voltage upper limit values, the second range maybe subdivided into two ranges based on two voltage lower limit values.

With such a configuration, when power can be exchanged with an externalfacility only at more than or equal to a constant current (correspondingto a current lower limit value) or a constant voltage (corresponding toa voltage lower limit value), but a current upper limit value availableon the vehicle side is lower than the constant current or a voltageupper limit value available on the vehicle side is lower than theconstant voltage, lock mechanism 206 is controlled to maintain theunlock state. Thus, it is possible to make the user recognize that anoperation corresponding to the attached connector cannot be performed.

Further, the above embodiment has described that only the types ofconnectors available in vehicle 200 are stored in memory 102 of ECU 100,and thus ECU 100 can determine only the types of connectors available invehicle 200, and, for the type of a connector unavailable in vehicle 200(such as the connector for DC discharging, for example), ECU 100determines that the type of the connector is unclear. However, ECU 100may also determine the type of an unavailable connector.

Further, although the above embodiment has described that lock mechanism206 is controlled after the type of the connector is determined, lockmechanism 206 may be controlled to be set to the lock state when aconnector is attached, for example.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by ECU100 in a variation.

It should be noted that, in the flowchart of FIG. 8, steps identical tothose in the flowchart of FIG. 4 are designated by the same stepnumbers. Accordingly, the detailed description thereof will not berepeated.

When it is determined that a connector is attached (YES in S102), theprocessing proceeds to S200. In S200, ECU 100 controls lock mechanism206 to be set to the lock state in which the attached connector islocked at inlet 202. Then, the processing proceeds to S104.

When it is determined that there is a function corresponding to the typeof the attached connector (YES in S106), the processing proceeds toS202. In S202, ECU 100 controls lock mechanism 206 to maintain the lockstate. When it is determined that there is no function corresponding tothe type of the attached connector (NO in S106), the processing proceedsto S204. In S204, ECU 100 controls lock mechanism 206 to be set to theunlock state in which removal of the attached connector is permitted.

With such a configuration, since lock mechanism 206 is set to the unlockstate, it is possible to make the user recognize that an operationcorresponding to the attached connector cannot be performed. This cansuppress the user from having a misunderstanding on whether or not theoperation corresponding to the attached connector can be performed.

Further, although the above embodiment has described that lock mechanism206 is controlled after the type of the connector is determined, lockmechanism 206 may be controlled for example as described below. Forexample, the state of lock mechanism 206 can be manually switched when aconnector is attached to inlet 202, and thereafter, in a case where itis determined that there is a function corresponding to the type ofattached connector, lock mechanism 206 may maintain the lock state whenit is in the lock state, and may switch to the lock state when it is inthe unlock state. In addition, in a case where it is determined thatthere is no function corresponding to the type of attached connector,lock mechanism 206 may switch to the unlock state when it is in the lockstate, and may maintain the unlock state when it is in the unlock state.

Further, although the above embodiment has described that lock mechanism206 is controlled according to the availability of the attachedconnector, the user may be notified of the availability of the attachedconnector, in addition to control of lock mechanism 206.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of a configuration of vehicle 200 ina variation. Vehicle 200 shown in FIG. 9 is different from vehicle 200shown in FIG. 1 in that vehicle 200 further includes a notificationdevice 220. Since the components other than that are the same as thosein FIG. 1, the detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

Notification device 220 displays predetermined information according toa control signal from ECU 100, for example. Notification device 220 is,for example, an indicator constituted such that it can switch between alighting state and a non-lighting state. Notification device 220 isprovided, for example, at a position which is adjacent to inlet 202 andis viewable when the user attaches a connector to inlet 202.

When it is determined that there is a function corresponding to the typeof the attached connector, ECU 100 controls lock mechanism 206 to be setto the lock state, and sets the indicator to the lighting state. When itis determined that there is no function corresponding to the type of theattached connector, ECU 100 controls lock mechanism 206 to be set to theunlock state, and sets the indicator to the non-lighting state. Itshould be noted that the indicator may be constituted to emit blue lightwhen it is determined that there is a function corresponding to the typeof the attached connector, and emit red light when it is determined thatthere is no function corresponding to the type of the attachedconnector. Further, instead of an indicator, notification device 220 maybe a display device that displays text information, or may be a voicegeneration device that generates predetermined information as voice. Thetext information or the predetermined information generated as voice mayinclude, for example, information that there is a function correspondingto the type of the attached connector, or information that there is nosuch function.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by ECU100 in another variation.

It should be noted that, in the flowchart of FIG. 10, steps identical tothose in the flowchart of FIG. 4 are designated by the same stepnumbers. Accordingly, the detailed description thereof will not berepeated.

When lock mechanism 206 is controlled such that the connector is set tothe lock state (S108), the processing proceeds to S300. In S300, ECU 100sets the indicator constituting notification device 220 to the lightingstate. When lock mechanism 206 is controlled to maintain an unlock stateof the connector (S112), the processing proceeds to S302. In S302, ECU100 maintains the non-lighting state of the indicator constitutingnotification device 220.

With such a configuration, in addition to information as to whether lockmechanism 206 is set to the lock state or the unlock state, informationas to whether or not power can be exchanged between the connector andbattery 214 (that is, whether the indicator is in the lighting state orthe non-lighting state) are notified by notification device 220. Thus,it is possible to make the user recognize whether or not an operationcorresponding to the attached connector can be performed. This cansuppress the user from having a misunderstanding on whether or not theoperation corresponding to the attached connector will be performed.

Further, although the above embodiment has described that lock mechanism206 is controlled according to the availability of the attachedconnector (that is, according to whether or not power can be exchangedbetween the connector and battery 214), lock mechanism 206 may becontrolled to be set to the unlock state when it is not possible todetermine whether or not power can be exchanged between the connectorand battery 214.

For example, when information received from the attached connector hasan abnormality, ECU 100 cannot determine whether or not power can beexchanged between the connector and battery 214, and thus ECU 100controls lock mechanism 206 to be set to the unlock state.

For example, when an amount of change in the potential of connectorconnection signal PISW within a predetermined period exceeds a thresholdvalue, or when the potential of connector connection signal PISW has anunusual value, ECU 100 determines that the information received from theattached connector has an abnormality.

This can suppress processing for charging or discharging from beingstopped due to the abnormality of the received information, with lockmechanism 206 remaining in the lock state, for example. Accordingly, theuser can remove the connector from the inlet when such an abnormalityoccurs.

Further, although the above embodiment has described that lock mechanism206 is controlled according to the availability of the type of theattached connector, lock mechanism 206 may be controlled according towhether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied, instead of or inaddition to the availability of the type of the attached connector.

Examples of the predetermined condition include a condition that the SOCof battery 214 is lower than a threshold value during external charging.For example, when it is determined that there is a functioncorresponding to the type of the attached connector, and thepredetermined condition is satisfied, ECU 100 may control lock mechanism206 to be set to the lock state. Further, for example, when it isdetermined that there is a function corresponding to the type of theattached connector, but the attached connector is a connector used forexternal charging, and the SOC of battery 214 is more than or equal tothe threshold value, ECU 100 may control lock mechanism 206 to maintainthe unlock state.

Alternatively, examples of the predetermined condition include acondition that the SOC of battery 214 is higher than a threshold valueduring external discharging. For example, when it is determined thatthere is a function corresponding to the type of the attached connector,and the predetermined condition is satisfied, ECU 100 may control lockmechanism 206 to be set to the lock state. Further, for example, when itis determined that there is a function corresponding to the type of theattached connector, but the attached connector is a connector used forexternal discharging, and the SOC of battery 214 is less than or equalto the threshold value, ECU 100 may control lock mechanism 206 tomaintain the unlock state.

With such a configuration, when charging or discharging is not possibledue to the SOC of battery 214, lock mechanism 206 is controlled tomaintain the unlock state. Thus, since lock mechanism 206 is set to theunlock state, it is possible to make the user recognize that anoperation corresponding to the attached connector cannot be performed.

Further, although the above embodiment has described an exemplary casewhere AC charging, DC charging, and AC discharging are possible invehicle 200, it is satisfactory as long as at least two of AC charging,DC charging, AC discharging, and DC discharging are possible, and thepresent disclosure is not particularly limited to the case where ACcharging, DC charging, and AC discharging are possible.

It should be noted that the variations described above may beimplemented by combining some or all of them as appropriate.

Although the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described, itshould be understood that the embodiment disclosed herein isillustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of thepresent disclosure is defined by the scope of the claims, and isintended to include any modifications within the scope and meaningequivalent to the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electrically powered vehicle comprising: apower storage device; an inlet to which a connector of an externalfacility external to the vehicle can be attached; a lock mechanism thatswitches between a lock state and an unlock state, the lock state beinga state in which removal of the connector from the inlet is restricted,the unlock state being a state in which removal of the connector fromthe inlet is permitted; a detection device that detects attachment ofthe connector to the inlet; and a control device that controls the lockmechanism using a result detected by the detection device, wherein whenthe attachment of the connector to the inlet is detected, the controldevice obtains, from the external facility, first information aboutpower which can be exchanged between the connector and the power storagedevice, when the control device determines based on the firstinformation that the power can be exchanged between the connector andthe power storage device, the control device sets the lock mechanism tothe lock state, and when the control device determines based on thefirst information that the power cannot be exchanged between theconnector and the power storage device, the control device sets the lockmechanism to the unlock state.
 2. The electrically powered vehicleaccording to claim 1, wherein the control device includes a storage unitthat stores second information about the power which can be exchangedbetween the connector and the power storage device, and the controldevice determines whether or not the power can be exchanged between theconnector and the power storage device, using a result of comparisonbetween the first information and the second information.
 3. Theelectrically powered vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the firstinformation includes at least one of information indicating that powerto be exchanged between the connector and the inlet is AC power, andinformation indicating that the power to be exchanged between theconnector and the inlet is DC power.
 4. The electrically powered vehicleaccording to claim 1, wherein the first information includes at leastone of information indicating that the power to be exchanged between theconnector and the power storage device is charging power for chargingthe power storage device, and information indicating that the power tobe exchanged between the connector and the power storage device isdischarging power discharged from the power storage device.
 5. Theelectrically powered vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the firstinformation includes at least one of information about an upper limitvalue of a current in the power to be exchanged between the connectorand the power storage device, information about a lower limit value ofthe current in the power to be exchanged between the connector and thepower storage device, information about an upper limit value of avoltage in the power to be exchanged between the connector and the powerstorage device, and information about a lower limit value of the voltagein the power to be exchanged between the connector and the power storagedevice.
 6. The electrically powered vehicle according to claim 1,wherein the control device determines whether or not the power can beexchanged between the connector and the power storage device, based onthe first information and a state of charge of the power storage device.7. The electrically powered vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, whenthe control device cannot determine whether or not the power can beexchanged between the connector and the power storage device based onthe first information, the control device sets the lock mechanism to theunlock state.
 8. The electrically powered vehicle according to claim 1,wherein, when the attachment of the connector to the inlet is detected,the control device determines whether or not the power can be exchangedbetween the connector and the power storage device based on the firstinformation, and thereafter controls the lock mechanism using a resultof determination.
 9. The electrically powered vehicle according to claim1, wherein when the attachment of the connector to the inlet isdetected, the control device sets the lock mechanism to the lock state,and when the control device determines based on the first informationthat the power cannot be exchanged between the connector and the powerstorage device, the control device sets the lock mechanism to the unlockstate.
 10. The electrically powered vehicle according to claim 1,wherein the vehicle further comprises a notification device thatnotifies information indicating whether or not the power can beexchanged between the connector and the power storage device.
 11. Amethod for controlling an electrically powered vehicle including a powerstorage device, an inlet, and a lock mechanism, a connector of anexternal facility external to the vehicle being attachable to the inlet,the lock mechanism switching between a lock state and an unlock statethe lock state being a state in which removal of the connector from theinlet is restricted, the unlock state being a state in which removal ofthe connector from the inlet is permitted, the method comprising:detecting attachment of the connector to the inlet; when the attachmentof the connector to the inlet is detected, obtaining, from the externalfacility, first information about power which can be exchanged betweenthe connector and the power storage device; when it is determined basedon the first information that the power can be exchanged between theconnector and the power storage device, setting the lock mechanism tothe lock state; and when it is determined based on the first informationthat the power cannot be exchanged between the connector and the powerstorage device, setting the lock mechanism to the unlock state.